
Power, process and mobile plant specialists
IPlantE was one of the two constituent bodies which merged to form SOE (as the Institution of Plant Engineers). Plant Engineers are involved in maintenance and operation of a fixed and mobile machine assets . In practice you will find plant engineers working across most industries.
The IPlantE Professional Sector Council (PSC) is dedicated to improving maintenance, operational and safety standards across a range of plant. They act as a representative voice in industry for our plant members, and is currently working on the following initiatives:
- Working to develop industry wide technician accreditation with our industry partners
- Representing SOE's interests on the board of Society for the Environment
- Working with the RAF to widen and fast track Engineering Council registration
What makes a modern plant engineer?
The machinery worked on by plant engineers can greatly vary across sectors, we have members involved in the following, to name a few:
- Power and utilities
- Process and chemical
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Building services
- Mobile and machinery
- Transport infrastructure
- Defence and military
What is common, wherever they work, is a high level of technical knowledge, incredible problem solving skills and the ability to think ahead. Plant engineers are responsible for ensuring large, complex systems and machinery don't fail, that they are maintained to exacting safety standards and are kept at peak performance to the end of their operational life. Many of our plant members are registered to Incorporated or Chartered Engineer, and the majority of our Chartered Environmentalist members sit in this professional sector.
The Thames Barrier: Engineering Resilience on the River Thames
The Thames Barrier is one of the UK’s greatest engineering achievements, as climate change intensifies, its design shows the value of resilience.
Everything UK Engineers Need to Know About the 2025 UK-EU Trade Deal
Discover how the 2025 UK-EU trade agreement impacts UK engineers, focusing on emissions trading, carbon taxes, and steel exports.
Ministerial appreciation for 20 years of invaluable Chartered Environmentalists
Marking 20 years of the Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) registration, Mary Creagh CBE MP expresses her gratitude for the invaluable contributions of Chartered Environmentalists.
Plant related events
Lorry Loader Cranes: Design, Regulation and Standards
Join us for a hybrid event with Keith Silvester, Technical Manager of ALLMI, as he shares insights on lorry loader design, regulation and standards, including safety system developments and thorough examination requirements under LOLER.Alternative fuels and their uses in a range of vehicles
Join IRTE Scottish Ayrshire for an insightful presentation by QTS, specialists in rail engineering, in which they will look at the application of alternative fuels.Energy Flexibility: Driving Value in Manufacturing
This webinar will show how large energy users can turn energy flexibility into a competitive advantage. By adjusting demand at critical times or leveraging on-site generation, manufacturers can earn reliable revenues, reduce exposure to volatile energy prices, and strengthen operational resilience - all while helping to stabilise the grid.
Are you a UK IPlantE or BES member who may need financial help? Click here to find out more.